Ethically Cool Dresses for Hot Summer Days

With warm weather comes the search for an easy summer outfit. What better uniform than the dress, that one-piece wonder of cuteness and comfort? Here are a few of my top dress picks from ethical designers.
(clockwise from bottom left)

I love this polka dot shirt dress from Mata Traders; the retro style is right up my alley. This dress will be great for a casual playdate at the park, but you can throw on some strappy sandals for a terrific date night look as well. Plus, the generous folks at Mata Traders are offering my readers 15% off all regular items on their site — use code BEYOND through May 25, 2015! $85, matatraders.com, fair trade.

With my curves I’m a big fan of A-line dresses, and the In Full Bloom dress is another one of my favorites from Mata Traders’ summer line. The classic lines of this dress make it a good basic summer outfit, but I would wear it into fall and winter by layering it with a cardigan and leggings. $85, matatraders.com, fair trade. Use promo code BEYOND for 15% off all regular priced Mata Traders items.

Miriam Designs is a Nashville brand working with survivors of human trafficking to create beautiful fashion and dignified work. This year marks their first foray into dress making, and their maxi dress has caught my eye. Also available in black. $78, miriam-designs.com, handmade in Nashville.

Synergy’s Moxie Dress looks like one of those fun pieces to throw into a suitcase for an easy, sophisticated look wherever your travels take you. Crafted from organic cotton and including side pockets, the dress is a lovely blend of style and utility. $79, synergyclothing.com, organic and fairly made.

If you are an Old Navy fan, you’re going to love the new dress line from PACT Apparel. PACT’s wrap dresses and drawstring pocket dresses provide ethical dress options at an ultra-affordable price, in a wide variety of colors. $30 and $34, wearpact.com, organic and fair trade.

Whether your summer wardrobe includes the latest thrift store finds, an outfit swapped with your best friend, or the new piece from your favorite fair fashion brand, remember –if you carry kindness and thoughtfulness as you go, you will always be in style!